Understanding How Suboxone Treatment Affects the Body

Advanced Spine provides Suboxone Treatments in Phoenix and Mesa

When following a suboxone treatment plan, it is only natural to want to know more about this type of treatment and what is actually contained in suboxone. Used to help combat opioid addiction, suboxone is comprised of two ingredients: buprenorphine and naxolone. Buprenorphine if a partial opioid agonist while naloxone is an opioid antagonist.

What is a Partial Opioid Agonist?

A partial opioid agonist is a type of opioid that attaches to the opioid receptor in the brain, but produces less of an effect than a full opioid. While taking a partial opioid might produce a slight pleasurable sensation, it generally just makes people feel more energized and provides some partial pain relief for those who are in pain. Full opioid agonists, such as heroin, morphine, oxycodone and hydrocodone, are the drugs that are typically abused. Methadone, which is used to treat opioid addiction, is also a full opioid.

As a long-acting drug, buprenorphine gets stuck in the brain’s opiate receptors for about 24 hours. This prevents full opioids from getting in. Therefore, if a person takes a full opioid within the 24-hour period after taking suboxone, he will not get high. Furthermore, taking more suboxone will not create the high that is associated with taking a full opioid.

What is an Opioid Antagonist?

An opioid antagonist is an opioid blocker. An opioid blocker acts upon the body’s natural opioid receptors. By binding to the opioid receptors more strongly than agonists, the body does not enjoy the response it typically receives from heroin and other opiates.

To learn more about suboxone treatment and how it can help you or a loved one with an opioid treatment, contact Advanced Spine & Rehab. We specialize in suboxone treatment plans are fully certified to provide a full range of services, including medical treatment and counseling.

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